Nighttime view of the Heceta Head Light in Florence

One of the region's 584 kilometers of public beaches

Where the mountains meet the sea

If you were to sum up the Oregon Coast in just two words, they would certainly be “unparalleled beauty.” But you just as easily say “outdoor paradise,” “seafood heaven,” “family friendly” and “free beaches.” The entire length of the Oregon Coast – all 584 kilometers of it – offers free access to every sandy nook and rocky cranny of this picturesque shoreline. Despite the coast’s reputation for gray skies and drizzle, Oregonians don’t stay inside much. Hiking, biking, birdwatching, whale watching, storm watching and fishing happen year-round. Just throw on a raincoat!

The Oregon Coast: A Winter Odyssey

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Adventures on the Beach

The chilly ocean water isn’t very inviting for swimming, but it’s amazing for just about every other water activity. Go deep-sea fishing for tuna, salmon and halibut. Watch for thousands of shorebirds and gray whales – their migration patterns bring them past the coast twice a year. Climb a historic lighthouse for spectacular coastal views. Get your fill of outdoor adventures at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, one of the world’s largest coastal dune environments. Don’t forget to take pictures at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach (the famous rock from “The Goonies”). Pet owners should feel welcome to bring four-legged friends as well for leash-optional beaches and other pet-friendly amenities.

Food and Drink, Locally Crafted

Oregon is widely known for its craft breweries. Here along the coast, there are approximately 30 to choose from. If you prefer something a little stronger, stop for a sip at the Cannon Beach Distillery or Pilot House Distilling. Sample farm-fresh flavors at farmers’ markets, produce stands and dairy farms. With the abundance of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the fertile Willamette Valley to the east, the dining scene is enough to make your mouth water just thinking about it. Savor just-caught seafood specials with ocean views and wash it all down with a local wine – Oregon’s award-winning wine country is just next door.

Tax-free Shopping

From big names to small specialties, shopping along the coast is as diverse as it gets – and it's all tax free. Go for deep discounts and famous brands at Lincoln City Outlets or Seaside Outlets. Fill a gift basket with Oregon-made cheese and gourmet items at Face Rock Creamery in Bandon or Blue Heron French Cheese Company in Tillamook. Local artisans sell their wares at markets in Astoria, Brookings-Harbor, Lincoln City and Newport. Blow your own glass at Lincoln City Glass Art Studio and Newport's Oregon Coast Glassworks, or pick up a souvenir made from Oregon Myrtlewood at The Oregon Connection in Coos Bay. With more than 25,000 unique ornaments, it’s Christmas all year long at the Christmas Cottage in Lincoln City.

The Oregon Coast: A Winter Odyssey

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Fun Fact

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Beaches for all! All 584 kilometers of the Oregon Coast are free and open to the public.

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Florence's Heceta Head Light is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in the world.

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Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is the largest expanse of coastal dunes in North America.

Must see places

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Located in Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is perfect for the whole family. Playful sea lions, seals and otters steal the show, but you’ll also enjoy the Giant Pacific octopus, jellyfish, seabird aviary, a touchable tide pool exhibit and a long walk through “Passages of the Deep,” a tunnel surrounded by deep-water sea life including sharks.

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Fat Tire Bike Trail

Fat-tire biking isn’t just for snow anymore. Here on the Oregon coast, fat-tire bikes are a fun way to navigate gravelly and sandy terrain. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area has plenty of sandy trails for muscle-burning treks, while hard-packed sand along the beaches are appealing for less-strenuous rides.

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Tillamook County Water Trails

Located directly west of Portland, Tillamook County has created a series of paddling trails suitable for all experience levels. The 322 kilometers of streams, rivers, tributaries and bays of the trail’s five watersheds are well marked and feature lush vegetation, abundant wildlife and small waterside towns to explore.

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Astoria Column

Resembling a lighthouse, the 38-meter-high Astoria Column and its hand-painted frieze is actually a monument to western settlement. Purchase a glider plane at the gift shop and climb 164 steps to the top for jaw-dropping views of the Columbia River, the Oregon Coast Range and the Pacific Ocean – oh, and toss the glider plane from the top. Fun!

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Ecola State Park

You might need to reserve an entire day to explore Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach. It boasts some of Oregon’s most picture-perfect views. Hike through seaside forests and windy bluffs. Climb down to the beach to see the tide pools. Look for the abandoned Tillamook Head Lighthouse, located on an isolated rock in the roiling ocean 1.6 kilometers off the mainland. Have your camera handy for the perfect shot of Haystack Rock, featured in the 1985 cult classic, “The Goonies.”

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Port Orford's Dolly Dock

The idyllic seaside town of Port Orford is one of only two places in the USA with a “dolly dock” – boat docks where vessels are lifted and lowered into the water by giant cranes. The best time to watch is late afternoon, particularly when the weather is good, as the fishing boats return with large catches of crab, cod and salmon. Walk the picturesque beach before you go; you may it have all to yourself.

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Oregon Film Museum

Oregon has been a movie setting for so many films for so many years that it’s sometimes referred to as “Hollywood North.” The Oregon Film Museum is housed in a circa-1913 jail that you will recognize from the opening jailbreak scene in the 1985 cult classic, “The Goonies.” Inside, you’ll find Goonies memorabilia and a hands-on, movie-making exhibit.

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Humbug Mountain State Park

Looking for scenic camping? Humbug Mountain State Park has it, along with a secluded beach and a popular hike to the top of Humbug Mountain (535 meters), which rises up practically straight from the ocean.

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Heceta Head Lighthouse

Perched on a dramatic cliff at the ocean’s edge, the circa-1894 Heceta Head Lighthouse is said to be one of the most photographed in the USA. Not only does this historic landmark boast unbeatable views of the craggy coastline, it also has an intimate bed and breakfast famous for nighttime lighthouse viewing and a luxury, seven-course breakfast.

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Wild Rivers Coast Farm Trail

Love a good farmers market? Why not just go straight to the farm? The Wild Rivers Coast Farm Trail features nine U-pick farms, farm stands and specialty retailers from Bandon to Port Orford. Look for meat, eggs, fresh produce and juicy berries in the summer. Call individual sellers ahead of time to confirm availability.